The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) has called for stronger collaboration with online and digital media journalists to raise public awareness about discrimination, marginalisation and the rights of vulnerable groups in Uganda.
The call was made during a dialogue between the Commission and digital media practitioners aimed at promoting inclusive reporting and improving coverage of communities that face barriers to accessing opportunities and essential services.
Dr Shaft Nasser Mukwaya, the EOC Secretary, said digital media had become an important channel for public engagement because of its speed, accessibility and wide reach.
“Digital media has transformed how we communicate with the public. It offers us an opportunity to reach millions of Ugandans quickly and directly. If we are to effectively deliver our mandate, we must embrace these platforms and work closely with the journalists who use them to inform and engage the public,” Mukwaya said.
He said partnerships with online media could help the Commission reach communities with limited access to information about their rights and the remedies available to them in cases of discrimination.
Yusuf Muziransa, the EOC Principal Information and Communications Officer, urged digital journalists to publicise the Commission’s mandate, functions, programmes and interventions.
“The Commission has a broad mandate that touches the lives of many Ugandans, particularly those who experience discrimination and marginalisation. Unfortunately, public awareness of our work remains limited. We believe stronger collaboration with online media can help bridge this gap and ensure that more people understand their rights and know where to seek redress,” Muziransa said.
He urged journalists to give greater attention to the experiences of women, persons with disabilities, older persons, children and other groups that face barriers to accessing opportunities and essential services.
Muziransa said inclusive reporting should go beyond highlighting the challenges experienced by marginalised communities to examine the structural barriers that prevent them from participating in and benefiting from Uganda’s social, economic, political and cultural development.
The dialogue also provided a platform for the Commission and journalists to explore practical ways of improving public understanding of equal opportunities and promoting fair, accurate and inclusive representation in the media.
The EOC said sustained engagement with digital journalists could increase the visibility of its work, strengthen public awareness of equal opportunities and help more Ugandans access its services.